The Labor enquirer., 1887-01-22
town.aI 1 AND ran socIALnrs.
Bssialists zesw What TAsy want, ana
HavS Dslniss Purpssss ana
Conviettsns.

New York Sun. A1}/1
In letter written some time ago
though only latsiv published. Mr.. Pow
herly declares that the vcurse Of ths
Knights of Labor has come from ths
kpromptue>s . with which acknowledged
leaders Of the Sociaiistic element have
put themselves forward u meetinRs
and. while g. eaking, plainly hlnted at
the musket and the gatlina gun e the
remedy for labor's grievances"
But why, Mr.. Powderlv. are the 30
cialists 50 prominent in both the
knights Of Labor and the trades
unions !? Why are they % anxious to
proclaim their doctrines 7
It is because the Socialists. Of oil the
members Of these associations, are the
men Of the strongest convictions and
most definite purposes. Taey know OK
actly what they want to do. and have .
pretty precise plan by which to accom-
|Iplish their ends. Besides, they are
united. and closely united, while the
rest are split up into opposing factions.
all Of which have only q very loose and
general notion of what they want and Of
the methods for attaining it.
The Socialists are men Of positive
opinions and well-defined theory, and
such men are always bound to make
themselves heard and felt In debate.
They talk TO the point. have theory to
teach. and the zeal Of enthusiasts earn
est to make converts I'd their faith.
They have something to- defend and
something to advocate, and those who
listen to them are not at all at q less to
find out what it is. Therefore they can
engage attention, while the rambling
discou rse If men who do not exactly
know their own minds. and can do no
more than express discomfort, without
suggesting a practical remedy. is pretty
sure to soon exhaust The patience Of
their hearers.
Therefore, in the nature Of things, ac-
cording to all experience, the Socialists
are bound to beat Mr.. Powderly in the
Knights Of Labor or tO break up the
whole organization. hev will either
rule or ruin, make the order aSocialis-
tic society, or 70 outside To fight it. and,
like all men Of positive convictions and
strong partisanship. they will not lack
for followers. AS it is. they are gaining
rather than losing strength in the labor
organizations, of which, in truth. they
are the most earnest and indefatigable
portion, and in attacking them Mr..
Powderly prepares the way for his own
downfall.
It is useless for him to undertake tc
keen the knights of Labor together and
yet to make war against the "Socialist,t
element" On the one side he has the
trades unions fighting him, and now he
invites an even bitterer attack from the
Socialists, who despise him as milk
and water character, incapable of devils.
ing practical measures for relief from
the grievances of which he talks in 9
general and commonplace way. That ID
undoubtedly the feeling Of the "Socialis
tic element" and it will manifest itsel
more and more Enthusiastically.
The signs of dissolution, for thu
KniR Rhts Of Labor are multiplying. Mr.
Powderly's salary has been raised, bu
his power has declined; and even If b.
keeps his place as leader Of the organi
cation, it will be at the expense Of los
ing the most vigorous fits forces.